Shane Greene (RP) - Week 4 Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 61% of leagues

ANALYSIS: Shane Greene took over the closer role for Detroit in August last year. From that point onward he had nine saves, two wins and a loss whilst putting up a 2.49 ERA with 23 strikeouts in 21 2/3 innings. Entering 2018, Greene was virtually assured the role once again but expectations were low. There were a lot of question marks about his ability to succeed in the role and about whether the Tigers would offer enough opportunities for him to be a fantasy relevant closer. So far in 2018, Greene has had mixed success in the role.

In his first outing he gave up two earned runs in a non-save situation. Since then he has given up just two earned runs in his next eight innings. Unfortunately both of those earned runs have resulted in blown saves due to the fragile leads he is afforded by a poor Detroit line-up. In his other six outings he has performed well, striking out eight in six innings and walking just two.

Right now Greene has no real competition for the closer role and will be the Tigers' ninth inning guy for the foreseeable future. On the season he has 11 strikeouts, three walks and four earned runs in 8 2/3 innings. Like any mid-range closer Greene will have slight stumbles and unfortunately those stumbles will often result in a blown save due to the small leads he is often defending. However, there are not many closers with Greene’s job security in the majors right now. The Tigers' best strategy is to use Greene and inflate his value to a point where they might be able to trade him at the deadline. While that may not be a long term solution for saves it should give you at least half a season’s worth which can make all the difference in roto leagues come seasons end.